Past, Present, and Pure Waters: THDP Revives Milan’s Scuderie De Montel as a Modern Thermal Sanctuary
THDP has designed the interiors of De Montel: Terme Milano, the largest urban thermal complex in the city with low CO₂ emissions. The Scuderie, opening to the public on April 1, 2025, span over 16,000 square meters, including 6,000 square meters of indoor space and 10,000 square meters of courtyards and green areas, entirely dedicated to relaxation and well-being.
A perfect balance between tradition and innovation, a sensory journey celebrating the organic beauty of nature and the historical heritage of the building.
The History
Designed in the 1920s by renowned architect Vietti Violi at the request of the noble De Montel banking family and built in just three years, the Scuderie were once one of the city’s Art Nouveau gems. They stood as a hallmark of the San Sirodistrict, then dominated by its grand racetrack, and were among Italy’s most renowned stables, housing thoroughbreds such as Macherio, Ortello, and Orsenigo, as well as regiments of the Royal Cavalry. From the post-World War II period onward, the site fell into decline, becoming entirely abandoned and overgrown by the 1970s—a forgotten architectural masterpiece, overtaken by nature and disrepair. After 50 years, this hidden treasure is being revived with a new purpose, open to all citizens.
De Montel: Terme Milano, Terrace
The Project
The restoration and redevelopment initiative of the Scuderie De Montel—now De Montel: Terme Milano—began over a decade ago with the recovery of the historic thermal water spring at a depth of 396 meters. The project took definitive shape through participation in the international competition “Reinventing Cities,” which recognized the proposal to transform the Scuderie into a state-of-the-art thermal spa. The conversion of the interiors into thermal spaces has been meticulously executed under the constant supervision of the Superintendence of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape, ensuring a faithful restoration that fully preserves the building’s original splendour.
De Montel: Terme Milano, Library
The Design Concept
THDP’s design approach is guided by three fundamental pillars: the historic elegance of Milanese Art Nouveau, which defines the identity of the building as a thermal park; the memory of the stables that once housed racehorses; and a vision for the future, embodied in the journey of water and the therapeutic properties of the spa. The interiors thus become a sensory experience where the richness of history blends seamlessly with modern functionality, creating a unique well-being destination.
De Montel: Terme Milano, Relaxation Area
Art Nouveau in Milan – The Architectural Envelope and Its Past
The Scuderie De Montel showcase a fusion of Milanese Art Nouveau and the French equestrian architecture of the Duke of Condé’s stables in Chantilly, home to an international racetrack. This combination allows the past’s visual and artistic richness to coexist with contemporary well-being spaces. Signature Art Nouveau elements, such as wrought iron, intricate decorative details, and flowing furniture lines, shape the interiors. THDP has also designed bespoke lighting, using materials and forms reminiscent of the era, featuring glass and iron to reflect the delicate elegance of Art Nouveau.
De Montel: Terme Milano, Relaxation Area
The World of the Stables – The Soul of the Building and Its Present
Equestrian references permeate the interior design, drawing direct inspiration from the building’s history. Bridles are echoed in the details of custom-made seating, where flowing lines and fine materials recall the textures of leather and hide. Horse bits and stirrups have been reimagined as elegant robe hooks, blending aesthetics with function. Bespoke lighting fixtures, adorned with leather straps and chains, pay homage to the equestrian world. Rusted iron from former water troughs is repurposed into decorative wall and floor cladding, transformed into travertine-effect stoneware, adding a refined yet rustic touch.
Claudia Mazzucato, THDP Project Leader states:
“Every design element was conceived to honour the tradition and functionality of the historic stables while integrating seamlessly into the new thermal spa, where comfort and well-being are paramount.”
The Water Pathway – The Building’s Purpose and Its Future
Scuderie De Montel hosts Milan’s only certified thermal waters, drawn from a 396-meter-deep artesian well. This is a tribute to Milan’s historic “acqua marcia”—a sulfur-rich water source that proves the city has always been a natural thermal hub. To immerse guests in the journey of water, the design integrates an interactive sensory experience showcasing its natural transformation into thermal water.
De Montel: Terme Milano, Library
Upon arrival, visitors are welcomed by a cascade of hand-blown Venetian glass discs, reflecting natural and artificial light through a grand skylight to create an ethereal underwater-like effect. Water-inspired materials include travertine, as an homage to ancient Roman baths, and ceramic wall coverings that mimic the interaction between water and nature. Moss-covered shower areas evoke the damp grottos of natural spas. Salt panels, formed by evaporated mineral water, decorate the walls of the saline pools. A floating glass bubble installation illuminates the staircases, symbolizing water’s movement from underground springs to the pools above.
De Montel: Terme Milano, Bistro
The ground floor is entirely dedicated to well-being, featuring thermal pools, relaxation lounges with steam fireplaces, and saunas and hammams that open onto the garden courtyard and surrounding park. The changing rooms, designed as an integral part of the wellness journey, include custom-built beauty stations and personalized lockers. Inspired by horse stalls, these spaces prepare guests for their spa experience—just as horses were once groomed in their boxes.
De Montel: Terme Milano, Changing Rooms
The first floor includes two grand relaxation rooms overlooking the park, complete with a wooden truss roof. Steam baths and treatment rooms are preceded by a secondary reception area illuminated by a skylight. At the center, a Liberty-style island display showcases Terme di Saturnia beauty products, blending aesthetics with functionality.
De Montel: Terme Milano, Treatment Lobby
Each treatment room is tailored to the guest experience. Single cabins feature light tones, oak-effect laminates, and travertine countertops. Couples’ cabins boast darker, more intimate hues with gold-accented checkered panels inspired by the historic attic windows.
De Montel: Terme Milano, Retreat
Across both floors, two F&B areas offer a high-quality culinary experience, featuring themed buffet stations and show-cooking areas. Designed as indoor terraces, these spaces include trellises adorned with climbing greenery and airy seating that evokes an urban garden, enjoyable throughout the year.
De Montel: Terme Milano, Fire Lounge
The materials and finishes create neutral, tactile effects that reflect the building’s architectural essence. Most flooring uses large-format, non-slip surfaces in neutral tones, while private areas incorporate smaller tiles in warm accent shades such as petrol green, brick red, deep terracotta, and oxidized brown. THDP’s bespoke lighting replicates the effects of light interacting with water. The reception area mimics refracted light patterns on water, and dynamic corridor lighting simulates reflections rippling across the walls. A collection of custom-designed lanterns, both floor and suspended, pays tribute to the building’s Art Nouveau heritage, enhancing the overall ambiance.